Buffalo Grove honors five who care about community
Buffalo Grove cast a wide net in choosing the five honorees for its Caring Community Program.
The group, honored at Monday’s village board meeting, included a mentor of middle school students, a mail carrier, a neighborhood leader, the head of an inclusive baseball league and the artistic director of a culturally diverse theater group.
The Caring Community Program celebrates people, groups, organizations and programs that embody the village’s spirit.
Alka Sharma was recognized for being the founder and artistic director of Mandi Theater, a performing arts group that for more than a decade has created opportunities for immigrant families, youth, seniors and emerging artists.
She said the group started in a basement and was primarily geared toward a Hindi-speaking audience. It has since grown and hosts an annual theater festival inviting groups from such places as Canada and India.
Dean Klassman has dedicated himself to Buffalo Grove’s Buddy Baseball program for 25 years. As a coach, mentor and advocate, he has helped hundreds of children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. He also works with the village’s Rick Kahen Commission for Residents with Disabilities.
Jeremie “Jay” Simmons was recognized for going above and beyond his role as a mail carrier by helping keep the Buffalo Grove community safe and connected. Members of the Ridgewood neighborhood he serves were in attendance.
“Whether reuniting a wandering toddler with family, protecting children from dangerous ice conditions, reporting safety concerns or simply greeting residents and their pets by name, Jay consistently demonstrates compassion and attentiveness,” Village President Eric Smith said.
Suriya Sanjeev Vikramrajkumar was honored for his mentorship of young learners through his 4C STEM Club. He guided middle school students to success in the Illinois Future City Competition and has volunteered as a tutor, STEM competition judge and creator of educational resources to help students better understand emerging technologies.
Lawrence LeVine was recognized for his commitment to service and community engagement. During the pandemic, he organized more than 40 food truck events to support struggling local businesses while bringing neighbors safely together. He coordinates neighborhood cleanups, garage sales and other efforts through the Strathmore Neighbors Facebook group and also assists with the Ivy Hall PTO.